2 Newburgh men facing charges they stole unemployment benefits

MONTGOMERY — Two Newburgh men were charged separately Wednesday with stealing a combined $11,000 in unemployment benefits, state police in Montgomery said.

Chris R. Simmons, 27, was charged with grand larceny and offering a false instrument for filing, both felonies, after an investigation revealed he stole more than $6,000 in jobless benefits from the state Department of Labor while he was gainfully employed, police said.

Simmons was arraigned in Newburgh City Court and released, pending an April 3 court appearance.

Leon W. Griffin, 32, faces the same charges, following a similar investigation. Officials say Griffin fraudulently claimed more than $5,000 in unemployment benefits.

Griffin was released and ordered to appear April 10 in New Windsor Town Court.